Collect for Trinity 8
Romans 8: 26-39
26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Reflection
There are many different responses when people suffer disappointment, hardship or suffering.
‘Why me?” “Why did God allow this to happen?” “I prayed but God didn’t answer” “Why should I believe in God anymore?” “What has God done for me?”.
We hear a lot of complicated theologically-based responses to those questions, but frankly, they aren’t much help when you’re going through a bad time.
I prefer the more succinct approach of my Auntie Annie. “There’s always a reason” she would say – and then get on with her life of faith. (St. Paul says much the same thing in his letter to the Romans – although with more words). Like Paul, we are aware that living the Christian life may involve us having to face ‘trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword’
We’re not going to heal every wound or every pain. We’re not puppets and the price of our freedom is that our stories aren’t going to end happily every time. Not in this life, anyway. God isn’t always going to find us a parking place, neither will He vaccinate us from every hurt and consequence of a sinful world. His plan for us – which we don’t necessarily know in any detail – is of much greater eternal significance. He climbs a Cross as comprehensive punishment for our sin. It includes His participation in warfare – His prize being our place in His Heavenly Kingdom. He rides into battle as head of an army of Angels; the Satan and all his works are defeated, and we are set free.
The following beautiful piece of music was written by Jean Sibelius as part of a tone poem named ‘Finlandia’ – it wa actually a banned song of protest and encouragement in difficult times against the increasing threat posed by Imperialist Russia. In its thematic relevance to the Christian story of spiritual warfare, it has formed the accompaniment to many Christian Hymns, including ‘Be still my Soul’. But I don’t think we need the words for it to inspire us and bring peace in our hearts, whatever may befall. Just cling to the promise that neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord
Lord, I have given up my pride and turned away from my arrogance. I am not concerned with great matters or with subjects too difficult for me.
Instead, I am content and at peace. As a child lies quietly in its mother’s arms, so my heart is quiet within me. Trust in the Lord now and for ever!
Pray Together 19th July 2026
We define hope as ‘to want something to happen or to be true, and have a good reason to think that it might’.
Praying Together 12th July 2026
But the real task to which godparents promise is to ensure that the newly-baptised are supported in their Christian growth, by prayer, advice and example.
Praying Together 5th July 2026
We obey His command, but not as slaves – instead, he invites us to be willing servants, alongside the freedom to always ask and reason together with Him as we choose our actions. Therein lies the path to Wisdom, and in God’s Wisdom lies gentleness, humility and rest for our souls.
Praying Together 21st June 2026
‘You are of more value than many sparrows.’
Yes perhaps we are – but that doesn’t mean that sparrows have no value at all.
Praying Together 31st May 2026
Throughout the world, greeting one another with a kiss is a standard way of greeting – once, twice or more (four times in some regions of of France.) In our less demonstrative culture, we perhaps tend to ‘Share the peace’ by means of a nod, wave, handshake a hug or sometimes even a kiss itself in order to respect what we understand as the boundaries of a person’s ‘personal space’.
Praying Together 17th May 2026
‘Somethin’s comin’, don’t know what it is, but it is gonna be great’
Praying Together 10th May 2026
This week I offer a report of our Archbishop John’s Introductory address to this week’s General Synod. It speaks for itself. I wish certain political leaders would read it too.
Praying Together 26th April 2026
Fortunately, God’s love is not restricted to those who do good. He sent His only Son to save sinners – whoever they may be, whatever they may have done wrong.
Praying Together April 19th 2026
Judgement is not restricted to either believers or non-believers – but All people
Praying Together 12th April 2026
Let’s talk about Peter, the ‘Rock’ on which Christ’s Church is built.
Seriously, would you have chosen him? Surely, one of the other Disciples would be the most highly qualified.
Praying Together Easter Sunday 2026
A Reflection provided by the Revd. Barbara Irrgang-Buckley for the First Sunday of Easter
Praying Together – A Thought for Good Friday 2026
Through our tears as we stand at the foot of the Cross and witness His Crucifixion on this Good Friday, we have the privilege of looking beyond the day unto a day of joy as we are assured of His life – then, today and tomorrow. We leave our past behind as we walk away from Golgotha, the place of the skull.